Herb · Asia
Arjuna
Terminalia arjuna
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the heart, astringent, dissolves stones, diuretic; for heart disease (angina, heart failure, pericarditis), high blood pressure, bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, sprue, bile complaints, oedema, cirrhosis of the liver; antidote.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Bark decoction 60–120 ml; fresh juice (swarasa) 12–24 g; powder 1–3 g; decoction of 3 g bark with 24 g cane sugar and 200 ml boiled cow's milk for heart disease.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Arjuna. The bark of this riverside tree is the classic heart remedy in Ayurveda; Vagbhata already described it in the 7th century. Small studies have examined its effect in angina pectoris and heart failure, with preliminary results. The tree bears the name of the hero of the Mahabharata.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Strengthens the heart, astringent, dissolves stones, diuretic; for heart disease (angina, heart failure, pericarditis), high blood pressure, bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, sprue, bile complaints, oedema, cirrhosis of the liver; antidote.
Preparation and amount
Bark decoction 60–120 ml; fresh juice (swarasa) 12–24 g; powder 1–3 g; decoction of 3 g bark with 24 g cane sugar and 200 ml boiled cow's milk for heart disease.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen